Stenoak, the Uckfield-based safety barrier firm, has reported a threefold rise in profits.

Turnover for the six months to March 31 topped £9 million, up from £6.2 million for the same period last year.

Pre-tax profits stood at £509,000, up from £145,000.

Stenoak chairman Adrian Drewe said the company's order book was in line with predictions.

He said: "We have been successful in implementing the growth strategy outlined at the time of our flotation.

"The integration of our acquisitions at an operational and marketing level is well under way."

In November last year the company bought Associated Akam, the UK's biggest highway barrier installer.

It completed the takeover in March of barrier firm Brifen, giving Stenoak the patent in 22 countries of the increasingly popular wire rope barrier system and a supply base for conventional products.

Also during a busy period of acquisitions, the firm took over the highways and infrastructure maintenance businesses of Associated Holdings and 20 per cent of Associated Facilities.

This transaction provided the group with a broader financial base.

Mr Drew said trading had been slow in the first quarter but had picked up markedly in line with expectations.

Stenoak is now the market leader in fence and barrier installation in the UK with anticipated annual sales exceeding its nearest competitor by about four times.

Mr Drewe added: "We will continue to consider further acquisition opportunities that fit our strict earnings criteria and add to our range of complementary services within the group."

Shareholders will receive a dividend of 1p.